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It’s the middle of December already!
Can you believe 2022 is almost over?
I know, right? Crazy.
Are you done with your shopping?
Is it December 23? Then, no.
Okay. Now that we’re done with the obligatory December Q & A, let’s cut to the chase.
This week, I’m bringing you all sorts of recommendations for things to watch, listen to, eat, and do. Plus, as always, I’ll get a little serious at the end.
I hope you enjoy this week’s What I’d Rather Be Talking About. I sincerely appreciate you taking time from your busy life to give this a bit of your time.
You know that awesome feeling when you and your BFF talk about anything and everything? That’s the vibe on Best Friend Energy, featuring best friends & business partners Clea and Joanna of the popular Netflix Series Get Organized with The Home Edit. This week’s episode is great for Ted Lasso lovers as it featured one of the show’s writers, Ashley Nicole Black.
Since we’re still in the thick of the holidays, here’s a podcast from my Thursday “running partner,” Betsy Pake.I don’t really run with her, but Betsy’s in my ears every Thursday when a new episode of her podcast The Art of Living Bigdrops. In this episode, she offers strategies for dealing with holiday stress at family events.
YouTube channels that have my attention:
In case you didn’t know… I love Spain, in an off-the-charts way. (Back story on my Spain obsession can be found here.) If you want to learn more about Spain, or maybe are planning a trip there… check outSpain Revealed, featuring married couple James (from New Zealand) and Yoly (a Spaniard).
When I can’t get to my favorite hot yoga studio, you might find me doing Yoga With Adrienne.There’s something for yogis of all abilities here, and I swear about a zillion different flows to choose from. For example, Yoga for Back Pain, Yoga to Calm Your Nerves, or Yoga at Your Desk. I’m waiting for Yoga for Procrastination or Yoga To Stop You From Online Shopping, but in the meantime, I bet she has something close.
And finally, Netflix shows:
What I’ll be watching between Dec. 26 and January 2:Harry & Meghan and the latest season of The Crown. Any other things I should check out? (Leave in the comments please!)
I also can’t wait to watch Dream Home Makeover (Season 4). How can you not love Shea & Syd McGee and their awesome home makeovers?
LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS
Introducing… Chef Eric.
Chef’s Kiss. Or in this case, a chef I like to kiss, and where he gets his recipes. Lucky for me, my carnivore husband is an awesome cook and doesn’t mind making plant-based recipes. Even if you’re in the “Where’s the Beef?” camp, I swear you’d love the dinners Eric whips up. Go to Pick Up Limes for simple recipes, plus great nutrition and lifestyle info. NutrtionFacts.org offers solid advice and recipes from Dr. Michael Gregor. Wondering why you should follow this doctor’s orders? Let’s start with the fact he wrote the book How Not To Die. Can’t really argue with that.
Healthy(ish) Snacking… can I please rave about these avocado oil chips? I know what you’re thinking. Potato chips & healthy? Give me some grace, it’s December. If When I’m eating chips, I choose these because they’re made with avocado oil, potatoes, and sea salt, that’s it. While on this topic, did you know many other chips (and foods) feature not-so-good-for-you seed oils like canola, soy, and safflower? My stomach hurts just typing their names. New York-based registered dietitian and podcaster Lauren Slater agrees that these oils are no bueno and talked about them on her podcast.Read the transcripts or give “The Danger of Seed Oils” a listen.
Speaking of snacking, I’ve been making my own hummusbecause not sure if you noticed, that stuff is highly addictive and a little pricey (especially if you’re buying four at a time). I make mine with olive oil, lemon, tahini, garlic, and cumin, and I find that the chips mentioned taste great with hummus.
AND, ON A SERIOUS NOTE
If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents or grandparents this holiday, give them extra hugs, put your phones down, and savor your time with them.
Taking care of those we love. When you’re visiting your older loved ones this holiday season, take a few moments to do a quick scan of their living arrangement & take care of any safety hazards that could cause a fall or injury. Also, instead of just asking them how they’re doing, observe them. If you notice anything that’s off… address it. My cousin, a certified foot care nurse, also likes to tell people, “Look at their feet!” Not exactly a natural thing to do between sips of eggnog, but try to take a minute to peek at their tootsies, as there are a number of things that could be going on.
For a great story with critical information about taking care of older loved ones, read House Calls to Remember, Lessons Learned, or watch the YouTube interview. The piece is one of hundreds of letters my dad, who was a physician and amazing writer, wrote to his childhood friend. In this piece, my dad reflected on two housecalls that demonstrate how the elderly population and their families sometimes get too caught up in the stress of their situations to notice safety hazards. It’s a great read.
Taking care of yourself. No link. No quote. Just a reminder to slow down. Breathe. Rest. When we move too fast, we put ourselves at risk for accidents and burnout and also miss out on a lot.
